Ken Dixon Takes the Helm as President and CEO of TDS Telecom Following Jim Butman's Retirement

TDS Telecom Welcomes a New Era under Ken Dixon

On June 9, 2025, TDS Telecom will usher in a new chapter in its leadership as Ken Dixon steps into the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. This transition comes as Jim Butman retires after an impressive tenure of over 40 years at Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS), including seven years of distinguished service at the helm of TDS Telecom.

As the telecommunications sector evolves, this leadership change is pivotal for TDS Telecom, a wholly owned subsidiary of TDS. With Dixon at the forefront, the company aims to navigate through its ongoing transformation and fulfill its strategic growth plans. Dixon is no stranger to the telecommunications industry; he arrives at his new position with a strong foundation of 33 years of experience, notably at Verizon Communications, Inc.

Dixon’s career trajectory at Verizon saw him ascend through various management positions, culminating as President of Consumer Markets, where he oversaw an extensive $13 billion consumer business. He played a significant role in its fiber network transformation strategy, which aligns seamlessly with TDS Telecom's aspirations for expansion in fiber broadband reach. Before joining TDS, Dixon served as CEO of Tillman FiberCo, LLC, where he honed his expertise in building and managing fiber optic broadband infrastructure.

Walter Carlson, President and CEO of TDS, expressed confidence in the decision to appoint Dixon, stating: "Ken's rich background in sales, marketing, and operations, coupled with his commitment to customer satisfaction and broadband expansion, makes him the ideal leader for TDS Telecom at this time of change."

In his new role, Dixon is excited about the opportunity to guide TDS Telecom's mission, particularly in addressing the digital divide by bringing fiber technology to underserved rural areas. He emphasized, "I am honored to lead TDS Telecom and collaborate with its talented team. Contributing to the company's mission of creating a better world is a challenge I welcome wholeheartedly."

Reflecting on the leadership transition, Carlson also took a moment to express his gratitude toward Butman’s contributions to TDS. Under Butman’s leadership, the company embraced a long-term fiber strategy that not only surpassed $1 billion in revenues but also grew the customer base to over 500,000 broadband subscribers. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the significant impact that Butman has had on the organization and the telecommunications landscape.

Butman's remarkable journey takes a bow as he passes the torch to Dixon. His dedication and vision have fundamentally shaped TDS Telecom into a prominent player in the telecommunications arena. As Dixon steps in, he carries with him the mantle of innovation and growth, ready to lead TDS Telecom into its exciting future.

Dixon holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University, where he also served on the Dean's Advisory Board of the College of Arts and Sciences, further enriching his engagement with the academic community. TDS, founded in 1969 and based in Chicago, continues to serve approximately 5.5 million connections nationwide through its brands, UScellular and TDS Telecom, employing around 7,800 individuals as of March 31, 2025.

For more information on the strategic developments at TDS Telecom and updates on their innovative offerings, visit investors.tdsinc.com.

Stay tuned as this new chapter in leadership unfolds and the company forges ahead in transforming America's telecommunications landscape.